My Story
About Simon O’Rourke
“I want people to feel like they’ve experienced part of a story”
I’m Simon O’Rourke, a professional chainsaw carving artist based in North Wales.
My love of art began long before I ever picked up a chainsaw. With a background in illustration and fine art, I studied the masters of sculpture – Rodin, Bernini, Michelangelo – and developed an understanding of form, proportion, and movement. This classical training taught me how to create not just objects, but works that express emotion and narrative.
After graduating with honours in Illustration, specialising in children’s books, I started my career as an illustrator while working as a tree surgeon at Acorn ArborCare – a role that seemed far removed from art. The two worlds converged when a client commissioned me to illustrate a children’s book, later published in America. Around the same time, I discovered the chainsaw’s surprising potential as a tool for fine art. What began as an experiment quickly became a passion. For two years, I carved under the banner of Acorn Furniture, before launching my own carving business in 2005.
Combining my artistic foundation with this dynamic medium allowed me to pioneer a distinctive style of sculpture: one where raw timber is transformed into figures alive with character, detail, and presence. Over the years, I have competed in international carving events, produced large-scale public installations, and worked with clients worldwide – all while staying true to my vision of artistry rooted in craftsmanship and storytelling.
Liz O’Rourke
Liz is Simon’s wife and business partner and has assisted Simon with the running of the business from it’s infancy.
Liz is passionate about good communication, and giving their clients a positive and first class customer experience, whether in person, via their website, email or on the telephone, and works closely with Simon and their team to make sure this happens. She also looks after the finances and general day to day oversight of the business.
Liz is also a qualified Forest School and Coastal School practitioner, Community development worker and Youth worker and is currently training to become a Counsellor.
Paul Edwards
Paul has been carving now for around 10 years. He first came to us on work experience through Reaseheath College as an Arboriculture student, but loved it with us so much, after a few years in the tree surgery field, swapped his rope and harness for carving gear and hasn’t looked back since.
Paul is a greatly valued and highly talented member of our little team… in fact, we wouldn’t have completed half of the projects we have without him!
Antonia
Antonia is the friendly face behind much of the business’s day-to-day admin. She has been part of the team for over 10 years and brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and positivity to everything she does.
Known for keeping things running smoothly, Antonia is also proudly Simon’s biggest fan.
Wildlife
Sculptures
From majestic eagles to gentle deer, each piece captures the soul of the animal with lifelike detail.
Mythical & Fantasy
Works
Dragons, green men, and fairies carved with precision and imagination, often becoming landmarks in their own right.
Historical Figures & Portraiture
Celebrations of legacy through finely crafted likenesses
that honour individuals and moments in history.
Functional
Art
Sculptural benches, thrones, and totems – pieces that combine practicality
with striking design.
Whether placed in a private garden, a school, a heritage site, or a community space, my sculptures are created to connect with their environment and enrich it.
The Creative Process
Step 1: Consultation
Finding out what will make you happy is really important. After all, you’ll be seeing this sculpture every day!
Step 2: Design
It’s easy for me to verbalise what I can see in my mind, but not always as easy for you to see it too! I often produce drawings to enable clients to visualise my ideas.
Step 4: Handover
I love watching the reaction on clients faces when they see their sculpture for the first time! You can read some of the reactions on the testimonials page.
Recognition and Global Reach
Over the years, I have competed in chainsaw carving competitions across the world, from Japan to Canada, Germany to the United States. These events, ranging from a few hours to several days, often centre around themes and push artists to work under pressure. While I’ve earned multiple podium finishes – including first place titles at the English Open (2007, 2008, 2009, 2015, 2021) and Husky.
Cup Germany (2016) – what matters most to me is creating work I am proud of and sharing the experience with others. In fact, I now step into competitions less for accolades and more for the camaraderie and the joy of carving something monumental over a weekend.
My work has been showcased at festivals and exhibitions, covered in national press, and recognised with awards for both artistry and innovation. Yet my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing people connect with a carving – whether that’s a child running to sit on a sculptural bench, or a community gathering around a new landmark that celebrates their heritage.
Today, I live and work in North Wales with my wife Liz, continuing to reveal the stories hidden inside every tree.
